What makes a good editor is often hard to see. Editing isn’t just about artfully arranging material based on a script. One of the most crucial, yet invisible, skills is selection—choosing the right characters, storylines, and moments, and persistently hunting for better ones when the film isn’t working.
This project is a great example of that. The film explores Canada’s medically assisted dying laws—some of the most liberal in the world—and the ethical dilemmas they present. Is it acceptable for a government to offer assisted death when it’s easier to access than disability support? When people’s reasons for wanting to die stem from poverty or isolation? What about cases of chronic mental illness?
Early edits of the film weren’t landing emotionally. They led with context and analysis, leaving character development and narrative to fill the gaps. In fact, Rosina—one of the first Canadians to opt for a medically assisted death due to chronic (rather than terminal) illness—wasn’t even meant to be the main story.
But I saw an opportunity. Rosina had left behind an extensive collection of video diaries that we hadn’t fully explored. As I dug in, I realized these moments gave us something invaluable: a deeply personal, first-hand account of who she was and what led her to this decision. Letting Rosina tell her story in her own words provided the emotional core the film had been missing.
By centering the film on Rosina’s perspective, we were able to ground the broader ethical discussion in something human and relatable. The final film is not just an analysis of a controversial issue—it’s a deeply personal story that allows viewers to engage with the topic on an emotional level. This shift made the film more honest, balanced, and impactful.